08/04/2025
FACT of the Week:
Acupuncture may offer benefits for individuals experiencing sleep problems, including insomnia and sleep apnea, by potentially improving sleep quality, increasing sleep duration, and reducing sleep disturbances. It is believed to work by stimulating the body's natural healing processes, balancing the nervous system, and potentially influencing the production of sleep-related hormones like melatonin.
How Acupuncture May Help:
Insomnia:
Acupuncture may help regulate the body's physiology, potentially reducing anxiety and stress, which are common contributors to insomnia. Studies suggest it can improve sleep efficiency, sleep quality, and total sleep time.
Sleep Apnea:
Some research indicates that acupuncture may positively impact the apnea-hypopnea index, which measures breathing disruptions during sleep, and improve sleepiness ratings and oxygen saturation levels, particularly in moderate to severe cases.
Hormone Regulation:
Acupuncture may stimulate the release of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, helping to establish a more regular sleep schedule.
Nervous System Regulation:
Acupuncture can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces the body's stress response, potentially leading to better sleep.
Pain Relief:
Acupuncture's ability to reduce pain, which can interfere with sleep, may also indirectly improve sleep quality for individuals experiencing pain-related sleep disturbances.